people’s representatives to the inconsistency of their doctrine and practice on the question of the equality of human rights.  Further agitation of the question, followed by the defeat of just measures in the interest of the slaves, was deemed by many as dangerous to the colony.  The discussions were watched by the Negroes with a lively interest; and failure led them to regard the colonists as their enemies, and greatly embittered them.  Then it was difficult to determine just what would be wisest to do for the enslaved in this colony.  The situation was critical:  a bold, clear-headed, loyal-hearted man was needed.

On Tuesday, Oct. 2, 1750, “The Boston Gazette, or Weekly Journal,” contained the following advertisement:—­

“Ran-away from his master William Brown of Framingham, on the 30th of Sept. last, a Molatto Fellow, about 27 Years of Age, named Crispas, 5 Feet 2 Inches high, short curl’d Hair, his Knees nearer together than common; had on a light colour’d Bear-skin Coat, plain brown Fustian Jacket, or brown all-Wool one, new Buckskin Breeches, blue Yarn Stockings, and a checked woolen Shirt.

“Whoever shall take up said Run-away, and convey him to his abovesaid Master, shall have ten Pounds, old Tenor Reward, and all necessary Charges paid.  And all Masters of Vessels and others, are hereby cautioned against concealing or carrying off said Servant on Penalty of the Law. Boston, October 2, 1750.”

During the month of November,—­the 13th and 20th,—­a similar advertisement appeared in the same paper; showing that the “Molatto Fellow” had not returned to his master.

Twenty years later “Crispas’s” name once more appeared in the journals of Boston.  This time he was not advertised as a runaway slave, nor was there reward offered for his apprehension.  His soul and body were beyond the cruel touch of master; the press had paused to announce his apotheosis, and to write the name of the Negro patriot, soldier, and martyr to the ripening cause of the American Revolution, in fadeless letters of gold,—­CRISPUS ATTUCKS!

On March 5, 1770, occurred the Boston Massacre; and, while it was not the real commencement of the Revolutionary struggle, it was the bloody drama that opened the most eventful and thrilling chapter in American history.  The colonists had endured, with obsequious humility, the oppressive acts of Britain, the swaggering insolence of the ministerial troops, and the sneers of her hired minions.  The aggressive and daring men had found themselves hampered by the conservative views of a large class of colonists, who feared lest some one should take a step not exactly according to the law.  But while the “wise and prudent” were deliberating upon a legal method of action, there were those, who, “made of sterner stuff,” reasoned right to the conclusion, that they had rights as colonists that ought to be respected.  That